BMW to use touch-sensitive smart fabric in cars

In 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show, BMW introduced the Vision ConnectedDrive, a concept that showcased future technologies that will make their way into BMW …

In 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show, BMW introduced the Vision ConnectedDrive, a concept that showcased future technologies that will make their way into BMW production vehicles. Among the innovative features, one stood out in particularly: the touch-sensitive dashboard.

BMW’s Head of Interior Design, Marc Girard gave us an exclusive demo of the innovative fabric that with a swipe of your fingers transfers the information displayed on the LCD screen built into the passenger’s dashboard onto the driver’s 3D Head-Up Display.

New Scientist magazine now reports that researchers at the Polytechnic School in Montreal, Canada, have developed a soft polymer-based fiber with electrical properties that can be woven into fabric. Creating a durable fabric that can control a range of functions and differentiate tactile motions is a breakthrough technology developed by professor Maksim Skorobogatiy and his team of researchers at the university.

The magazine says that BMW has plans to install the touch-sensitive smart fabric in future models, along with General Motors and aircraft-manufacturer Bombardier.

Our own sources say that within five years, future high-end BMWs will include this new technology and will create the fist real synergy between the car and its passengers.

To pay tribute to one of the most successful and best-looking car of the 1930s, BMW unveiled today the 328 Hommage. This year, the original …

Jules M

Car makers have to stay alert to compete in a worldwide market. Staying on top of current technology is one way automakers try to stay relevant. However, as our cars learn to do increasingly more things, they require more controls and instrumentation. Touchscreens have become prevalent as a way to deal with dashboard crowding. BMW has not issued a timeline as to when the technology may find its way into consumer vehicles. However, the New Scientist piece did say that automakers GM and Bombardier are also taking a serious look at the technology. Here is the source: Smart fabric may be used in future BMW models.